TV and film actor shares his experiences

TV and film actor Adrian Rawlins chatted with students during a visit to East Riding College in Bridlington.Mr Rawlins, who is known for playing Harry Potter’s dad, James, in the film series and who has appeared in the TV series Silent Witness, Dr Who and Midsomer Murders, spent an hour with learners on performing arts and TV and film courses.He talked frankly about his early experiences of entering the industry as well as giving valuable information as to how the industry works.One unexpected detail was that, when asked how he learns his lines from a script, he told the students that he uses an app.

Performing arts student Ryan Kemp, 18, from Bridlington said: “It was so interesting to hear Adrian talking about his time in the business and how he prepares for roles.“He was really down to earth and told us some fascinating stories about what it’s like to be an actor and some of the people he has worked with.”

TV and film student Gabriella Gadelleta, 17, from Filey said: “This was a really valuable session and really useful for people like me who want to work in TV and film to hear from someone who works on the other side of the camera.“We all recognised him from Harry Potter and his TV work and it really helped us to make sense of what we are learning when we heard how the theory is put into practice.”

Tutor John Ellerington said: “Adrian’s time on Silent Witness and of course the Harry Potter series was explained through very personal stories which meant more than just reading about them on the internet.“It meant that the students could really relate something quite fictional to a real person, something that is hugely beneficial to their understanding of the industry.“Adrian came across in a very friendly and cool manner and I’m sure he left the students thinking that actors are real people not just celebrities.”

East Riding College runs performing arts and TV and film courses at its Beverley and Bridlington campuses and its site in Hull. For more information or to apply, go to www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk

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Notes to editors

For more information about this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 390720 or email matthew.croshaw@eastridingcollege.ac.uk